**Maria Gladkowska** (Warsaw, 1957) is a prominent Polish actress, celebrated for her elegance and theatrical refinement. Her film career, spanning decades, has seen her collaborate with leading Polish and international directors.

She is often chosen to portray aristocratic women, intellectuals, or complex and multifaceted figures, showcasing her beauty and her remarkable ability to express psychological nuances. Among her most celebrated roles are Lucille Desmoulins in Andrzej Wajda's *Danton* (1983) and the protagonist's wife in Krzysztof Kieślowski's *Dekalog: One* (1988).

She has also appeared in films such as *Magnat* (1987), *Pan Tadeusz* (1999) and, more recently, Wojciech Smarzowski's *Wesele* (2004). Her acting style is characterized by a measured and profound performance, which allows her to imbue her characters with remarkable truthfulness and emotional complexity.